As I write, we are preparing for a return to “the new normal” with all students and staff expected to resume classes from Monday 25 May.
The Delany community
When students return to school we will be aiming to balance business-as-usual with practical social distancing. The simplest way to achieve that is our hands off policy. This usually refers to students “playing around” by pushing and/or shoving each other and generally being a bit silly… which sometimes escalates into a more serious push and shove. For the foreseeable future, hands off must also include shaking hands, hugging, leaning on each other, and even sharing of food and devices. We have already seen this week that another Sydney school has been closed because of a Covid-19 infection. We will take a practical approach to keep our students and staff safe, and that will also mean a firm approach when necessary.
The academic community
With the resumption of classes, the remote learning approach that we have used this term will change. Before, during and now after this period, the majority of course work has been posted to online sites (mostly Google classrooms) for students to access. This will continue. Online lessons (such as zoom lessons) will not continue.
As you child returns to regular classes, please continue to work with our staff and set high expectations of the classwork that is to be completed, and encourage that their application in class is cooperative and focused.
Mobile phones - not to be used at school
I am clarifying the College’s position on mobile phones following my information in the last newsletter.
Mobile phones will not be permitted at the College from this point. This is effective from Monday 25 May, and applies to both the yard and classrooms; it applies from the moment a student walks through the gate until the point at which they depart.
The College has a number of ipads or computers that have been available for student loan throughout the year, and we have increased this number during 2020. Where there is a genuine need for an IT device we will provide one in consultation with the family. None of the following excuses constitute a “genuine” need”: forgetting your device, forgetting to charge it, having it run out of charge during the day, or waiting for repairs for week after week.
When a student uses their phone in class the phone will be confiscated. On the first occasion, the phone will be returned to the student at the end of the day. On further occasions the phone will be returned to a parent (not to the student). “Using the phone” includes:
checking the time
checking messages
using it to access school work
making and receiving call
… and any other explanation you can think of.
Finally, if a student refuses to follow this policy, or refuses to hand over a phone when asked, we will follow the defiance procedure outlined in the College Dignity and Wellbeing policy (which can be found on the College website). In these rare cases, parents will be phoned and asked to come to the College.
Please contact me at the College if you want to discuss this expectation.
The Patrician community
I have spoken to Br Paul O’Keefe, the Patrician Australian Provincial leader, this week. He reports that all the Brothers remain happy and healthy. St Patrick, continue to watch over them.
St Patrick, pray for us.
Mr Anthony Blomfield
Assistant Principal
